The discussion focuses on Norse mythology, noting that main written sources, such as Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda and the Poetic Edda, were recorded in 13th-century Iceland, post-conversion to Christianity, necessitating caution in interpretation. The cr

The John Batchelor Show

The discussion focuses on Norse mythology, noting that main written sources, such as Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda and the Poetic Edda, were recorded in 13th-century Iceland, post-conversion to Christianity, necessitating caution in interpretation. The creation story involves the eternal void (Ginnungagap) meeting the fire world (Muspelheim) and the ice world (Niflheim), from which the primordial ice giant Ymir formed. The end of the world is Ragnarök, where the fire giant Surtr destroys the world and Loki sails the ship Naglfar, made from the nails of dead people. Snorri Sturluson, a major figure in this era, was murdered in his own basement around the 13th century on the orders of the Norwegian king during a time of civil war in Iceland.